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Knee Injuries 


There are several ways to assess knee injuries. Here, we provide 2 scoring systems that are commonly used in the dairy industry. You can choose a system that fits your interests and test your repeatability using the associated scoring system.

Dairy Well: knee injury scoring 
​Score and count only the WORST knee of every cow. ​

Which animals to assess:

  • Lactating cows
  • Dry cows
    • The number of dry and lactating cows assessed is determined by the sample size calculator
  • All cows in hospital pen 

When to assess:

  • While in the parlor (best)
  • While in lock-ups 

​How to assess:

  • Assess knees from behind (e.g. standing in a parallel parlor) by looking for evidence of severe swellings
  • Ideally, assess with full visibility (both sides + front of knees)

Goal:

To assess the softness of the resting area.

​≤1% of cattle with severe knee swellings (score 3; greater than the size of a golf ball, and can be seen from the rear).

​The % of cows with moderate knee injuries (score 2) should be recorded, though there currently is no benchmark for this group.
Picture
Score 1 - Normal
  • Minimal complete hair loss
    • < 1" in length or width
    • < 25 mm
    • < size of a quarter
  • No swelling or mild (≤ 10mm in height) swelling
    • Approximately the width of a dime
Picture
Score 2 - Moderate
  • Hair loss > 25mm (1") in length or width
    • Approximately the size of a quarter
  • No open wounds/abrasions (ulceration, blood, serous discharge, or scab) 
  • May be moderate swelling (11mm - 25mm in height)
Picture
Score 3 - Severe
  • Wounds or abrasions as evidenced by any ulceration, blood, serous discharge, or scab; can be superficial, partial, or full thickness
  • OR: Swelling > 25mm (1") in height
take repeatability test

National Dairy Farm Program: knee injury scoring
​Score and count only the WORST knee of every cow. ​

Which animals to assess:

  • Lactating cows
  • Dry cows

The number of animals assessed is determined by the sample size calculator using the total number of animals on the farm.

When to assess:

  • Score the worst knee while scoring hocks
  • Score at any time

Goal: 

<5% of cows should score a 3 when hock and knee scores are combined (the most severe score becomes the overall score). 

The tests on this website score knees and hocks separately for more practice.
Picture
Score 1 
  • Hair loss on front knees less than the size of a quarter
Picture
Score 2 
  • Hair loss is greater than the size of a quarter
Picture
Score 3​
  • Visible swelling and/or abrasion through the hide
Take repeatability test

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  • Home
  • Training & Homework
  • Learn how to assess
  • Test your repeatability
  • Thank You
  • Contact
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